Why This Guide? (A Personal Note)
As a bridal stylist who has dressed over 200 brides, I’ve witnessed firsthand how ethnic jewellery for weddings can completely elevate a look. At my own sister’s wedding last year, I truly felt the emotional power of these pieces—she wore our grandmother’s cherished temple necklace, and it turned out to be the most photographed element of her attire.
Whether you’re the bride, groom, or a guest attending the celebration, this guide will help you discover ethnic jewellery for weddings that’s not only authentic and meaningful but also perfectly in tune with the style trends of 2025.
1 – Classic Gold Jewelry: The Eternal Bridal Choice
Gold has been the cornerstone of ethnic bridal jewellery for centuries, and 2025 sees a revival of handcrafted, heirloom-worthy designs.
Trending Styles:
- South Indian Temple Jewelry: Intricate peacock and deity motifs in 22K gold.
- Mughal-Inspired Chokers: Layered Kundan and polki set with elaborate enamel work.
- Bengali Gold Borla Maang Tikka: A statement forehead piece paired with jhumkas.
Why I Love It:
“Gold isn’t just metal—it’s a family legacy. My mother’s haar (necklace) was melted down to make my wedding bangles, carrying her blessings.”
Best Pick: 22K Gold Temple Necklace (Amazon) – A worthy investment piece.
2 – Polki & Kundan: Regal & Uncut
Polki (uncut diamonds) and Kundan (gemstone-set) jewellery are dominating 2025 weddings for their royal, vintage charm.
What’s New in 2025?
- Asymmetric Polki Sets: Mismatched earrings and layered haars for a modern twist.
- Pastel Kundan: Soft pink and mint gemstones paired with pastel lehengas.
- Minimalist Chokers: Delicate kundan pieces for intimate weddings.
Pro Tip:
“Polki looks best in daylight—if you’re having a morning wedding, prioritize this over diamonds.”
3 – Contemporary Fusion Jewelry
For brides who want tradition with a twist, fusion jewellery blends ethnic motifs with modern aesthetics.
2025’s Top Trends:
- Indo-Western Chokers: Gold filigree paired with pearls or lab-grown diamonds.
- Cuff-Style Bangles: Open-ended kadas with geometric patterns.
- Ear Cuffs with Jhumkas: A hybrid of traditional and edgy.
Best for: Destination weddings and cocktail receptions.
4 – Silver & Oxidized Jewelry: Boho & Rustic Weddings
Silver tribal jewellery is having a moment, especially for:
- Rajasthani & Gujarati brides
- Beach weddings
- Fusion sangeet outfits
Must-Haves:
- Chand Bali Earrings
- Oxidized Matha Patti
- Silver Payal (anklets)
Affordable Pick: Handmade Oxidized Silver Set (Amazon).
5. Pearl Jewelry: Understated Elegance
Pearls symbolize purity and are perfect for:
- South Indian Kasavu saree brides
- Minimalist Muslim brides (nath with pearl strings)
- Grooms (pearl cufflinks or brooches)
2025 Trend: Baroque pearls in irregular shapes for a contemporary look.
6 – Gemstone Jewelry: Birthstones & Bold Colors
Coloured gemstones like emeralds, rubies, and sapphires are back:
- Navratna Jewelry: 9-stone sets for astrological benefits.
- Coloured Stone Maang Tikkas: Matching the bridal lehenga.
My Favorite: A deep emerald choker with gold wiring—stunning with red or pink outfits.
7 – Bridal Nose Rings (Nath & Studs)
No ethnic bridal look is complete without a nath. 2025 trends include:
- Diamond Studs: For subtle glamour.
- Gold Hoop Naths: With pearl drops.
- Left-Nostril Only: A modern take on tradition.
Fun Fact: In Maharashtrian weddings, the nath is tied to the mangalsutra with a string!
FAQs: Quick Answers for Brides
Can I mix gold and polki jewellery?
Absolutely! Layer a gold choker with a polki haar for dimension.
What jewellery should a groom wear?
Gold chains, emerald rings, and brooches are classic. For Sikh grooms, a golden sarpech (turban pin) is regal.
Final Thoughts: Make It Personal
Your wedding jewelry should be more than just adornment—it should tell your story.
When I helped my cousin plan her wedding last year, she hesitated between a trendy polki set and her late grandmother’s faded gold bangles. She chose the bangles—not because they were “prettier,” but because wearing them meant her grandmother walked with her down the aisle. That’s the power of meaningful jewelry.
Here’s how to make yours unforgettable:
- Heirloom Alchemy
- Don’t let old pieces gather dust. Meltdown an ancestral locket into a pendant or restring great-aunt’s pearls into a contemporary rani haar. My client Diya turned her mother’s broken jhumkas into a waist belt—genius!
- Hidden Messages
- Engrave your partner’s initials inside a kada, or weave your wedding date into the design of a maang tikka. I’ve seen brides stitch tiny family photos into the lining of their jewellery boxes—a secret touch for emotional moments.
- Ethical Glamour
- If you’re designing new pieces, ask for:
- • Lab-grown diamonds (identical to mine, but conflict-free)
- • Recycled gold (reduces mining impact)
- • Fair-trade gemstones (like Tanzanite or Montana sapphires)
Pro Tip: Wear your heaviest necklace for 30 minutes at home first. At my wedding, my seven-layer haar felt glorious… until hour three, when I secretly swapped it for a lighter set!
Jewelry is the only wedding detail you might wear again—on anniversaries, festivals, or someday, pass down. Make it uniquely yours.
What’s your jewelry story? A vintage find? A custom design? Share below—I’ll help you style it!
